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Australia Implements New Age Verification Laws

Requiring proof of age, the new rules mandate Australians verify they are over 18 before accessing adult content such as pornography and explicit chatbots.
Taking effect on Monday, the second tranche of codes adds six rules to three existing codes already in force, with Julie Inman-Grant saying the changes complement the December 2025 social media ban.
Platforms must implement 'meaningful steps' to verify users' ages, requiring search engines, app stores, social media platforms, gaming providers, pornography websites and generative AI systems to use facial recognition, digital IDs and credit-card checks managed under Australian privacy laws.
Aylo responded by blocking Australian registrations and altering site content, while Australia's online safety regulator warned platforms could face A$49.5 million per-offence fines for breaches.
Masood said, 'For many people, there is a discomfort with linking identity verification to highly personal browsing activity,' while experts warned young people will bypass checks using VPNs and unregulated platforms despite high exposure to harmful content.

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Taipei Times

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VPN demand rises as Australia limits content for minors

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